Donations can also be dropped off at St. Mark on Saturday morning while the scouts are boxing the collected goods.

Scout Eric Archibald is in charge of the local drive.

Last year, scouts in the tri-state area took in 300,000 pounds of food.

Great job, guys!

*** We got your message!

Where are you?

Joan Shaffer came in to the Jamestown Press office Friday morning with a plastic tube, attached to a cork for flotation, that she found washed up on the beach at Mackerel Cove.

Inside the tube was a note that reads: "For all who seek the treasure of anaBella drummond, captured By William luBBer. D.B."

On the note are drawings of what look like three islands making up a treasure map. On the largest island are hills and palm trees and a large X.

If anyone knows the origin of the map and note, please call or email the numbers below.

If anyone knows the location of the X, contact me personally and let's talk.

***

Ten or 15 years from now, the 11-year-old who is playing Lucinda in the Jamestown Community Theatre's production of "Into the Woods" might very well be directing the fall presentation of the island's dramatic group.

Dana Larkin is already a veteran of the JCT. She introduced the production of "Joseph and the Amazing Colored Dreamcoat," was a school girl in "Anastasia Krupnick," a frog in "Honk!," and the little red-headed girl in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown."

The sixth-grader at the Jamestown School takes singing and piano lessons and is co-president of the school chorus.

In her present role, Dana said she is an evil stepsister of Cinderella, "a mean, snobby, greedy person with all the wrong qualities."

She went on to say that although the music is hard "it doesn't matter, it's a lot of fun and everyone is enjoying it."

Mom, Durga, is in the adult ensemble.

"Into the Woods" opens Friday, Nov. 9, with a 7 p.m. curtain. Other performances will be Nov. 10, 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 11 and 18 at 5 p.m. Tickets are available on the island at Baker's Pharmacy, Conanicut Ship's Store and the Secret Garden.

***

On Nov. 17, a dinner will be served to benefit Jamestown's 8th graders' trip to Washington, DC, next June. Tickets will be sold tonight at the Business Expo at the PAC for $30 each. Only 120 tickets will be sold, so get yours soon!

Call Sue Fay 423-3027 for more information.

***

Kudos to Bill McCarthy, Mike Schipritt, Paul "Mike" Balzer and the gang at Jamestown Hardware. You're all what make this God's little acre such a special place to be.

***

Would you like to be a first responder for stranded beach animals?

You must be 18 years of age or older, a member of the general public, live along the Rhode Island coastline and be willing to drive to respond to calls in your geographical area.

If so, attend a meeting sponsored by The Friends of the Jamestown Library at the library next Thursday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. Staff members from the Mystic Aquarium will explain what it takes to become a volunteer for the aquarium and get certified as a first responder.

We have the dates for the Jamestown Emergency Medical Services' sponsored Emergency Medical Technician course to be held here on the island. The first class is only four days away.

Chris Reilly, training officer for JEMS, said the training sessions will be held at the Jamestown Fire Department on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 10 p.m. from Nov. 5 to April 9.

The course will be given by Deputy Chief Robert W. Church of the Portsmouth Fire Department.

Chris said the class size will be limited to 20 to 25 students and the course meets the requirements, upon passing, to take the EMT-B certification for the state.

The instruction is free to Jamestown residents who commit to joining JEMS and $800 up front for off-islanders.

For further information on fee arrangements and commitments plus classes canceled for holidays call JEMS headquarters, 423-7276, and someone will get back to you.

***

The unusual warmth this late in the season can be tough on your pets says Dr. Joshua Hatch of the Jamestown Animal Hospital in his Pet Tip of the Week. "The flea season this year has been pretty horrible. The combination of dry weather and lack of cold has contributed to many, many fleas getting onto our pets and causing many, many itchy and uncomfortable pets and owners!

"Make sure to keep your pet on a good flea preventative monthly and check your pets frequently for any evidence of live fleas or "flea dirt" which is really flea poop that shows up as small, black droppings on your pet's skin.

"Because fleas can also be carriers of tapeworms, we further recommend deworming any pets that may have been infested with fleas as a preventative measure.

"If you are having trouble clearing fleas from your pet or home, then please contact your veterinarian for advice and to make sure your pet is on an appropriate preventative."

"To err is human, to forgive canine"

ARF!

***

The Afternoon Book Discussion at the Jamestown library continues on Tuesday, Nov. 13, with the book, "Eat, Pray, Love; One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia," by Elizabeth Gilbert.

The group has been on going since 1997 and meets the second Tuesday of each month. It is open to the public and new participants are always welcome.

Upcoming titles are Dec. 11 - "Water for Elephants: A Novel," by Sara Gruen; Jan. 8 - "Sister Carrie," by Theodore Dreiser; Feb. 12 - "Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History," by Eric Larson.

(and that was before Al Gore)

***

Valuna, that exquisite Saunderstown taverna, has new menus on its tables and new chefs in its kitchen.

And, under new family management, the restaurant is now open for lunch Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 3 p.m.

Dinners continue to be served every day from 5 in the afternoon to closing at 1 a.m. and a special is offered on Thursdays with dinner for two and a bottle of wine for $50.

A kiddie menu welcomes the whole family.

Watch the games on Sundays with $1.50 draft beers.

Valuna is located where Babbi's used to be.

***

Another moment of mirth from Beth. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, "62."

He was quiet for a moment and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?"

***

Today is All Saints' Day.

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday. Turn your clocks back one hour.

Tuesday is Election Day. VOTE!!

*** Be true!

***

Call in your stuff for this column to 423-0383 or 829-2760. You can send an e-mail to us at jtnwalrus@hotmail.com, or drop your items off at the Jamestown Press office.